Part 1/19:
The Transformative Technologies Shaping Our Future
1. Genomics for Transplants: A Pig's Heart in a Human Chest
In January 2024, David Bennett Sr. became the first human to receive a genetically modified pig heart. This breakthrough in xenotransplantation offers hope to over 100,000 Americans on organ transplant waiting lists. By genetically modifying pig organs to be more compatible with human bodies, scientists aim to create an unlimited supply of transplantable organs. However, this technology faces ethical concerns from animal rights activists and risks of zoonotic diseases. Despite these challenges, the potential to save countless lives is enormous, but it raises profound questions about the boundaries between human and animal.